ISLAMABAD, Monday, October 13, 2025 (WNP): Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday said Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan are united by the unbreakable bonds of faith, shared destiny, and a collective commitment to peace and progress.
He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural session of the Third Trilateral Speakers’ Conference of the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye, held at the Parliament House.
Chairman Gilani said it was a great honour and privilege to address a gathering of “nations whose friendship is rooted not in temporary interests, but in the enduring foundation of faith and conviction.”
He commended National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for bringing together the three brotherly countries on one platform, noting that such unity carried both “a message and a mission” at a time when the region faces complex global challenges.
Referring to the conference theme, “Strengthening Bonds of Brotherhood: Parliamentary Cooperation for Regional Peace, Security, and Prosperity,” Gilani said the topic was deeply meaningful to him as a parliamentarian and a believer in the power of dialogue, dignity, and democracy.
Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister, Gilani said he had the privilege of meeting the leadership of Türkiye and Azerbaijan, where he witnessed “the spirit of brotherhood, resilience, and progress that defines both nations.”
He praised Türkiye as “a nation that takes pride in its past and has faith in its future,” and lauded Azerbaijan for transforming its land “once marked by conflict into a symbol of reconstruction and development.”
Chairman Gilani underscored that the friendship among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan is not circumstantial but a fraternity rooted in shared values and faith — one that has endured wars, sanctions, and global transformations. He said the three nations have consistently supported each other’s sovereignty and dignity, citing Pakistan’s unwavering backing of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and Türkiye’s steadfast stance on the Kashmir issue.
“The strength of the Ummah lies not in its numbers, but in the unity of its purpose,” he declared, stressing that Muslim nations must stand together against injustice and oppression in regions such as Palestine and Kashmir. “In such times, parliaments must become centers of conscience, wisdom, and courage,” he added.
Gilani emphasized that the Trilateral Forum was more than a diplomatic engagement — it was a living expression of shared values and solidarity. “If we expand cooperation in security, trade, education, technology, and culture, we can build a bridge of trust and shared vision — stretching from Ankara to Islamabad and Baku,” he remarked.
He noted that in the run-up to the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Islamabad next month, the trilateral meeting marks a new chapter in parliamentary diplomacy. “It demonstrates that despite global uncertainty, our commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity remains unwavering,” he said.
Concluding his address, Chairman Gilani said, “Peace and prosperity are not destinations but a journey — and our nations walk this path together.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve, alongside Türkiye and Azerbaijan, to strengthen their partnership for a just, peaceful, and prosperous future.
“Justice is our duty, peace is our right, and unity is our survival,” he declared, praying that the friendship among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan — “born of faith, nurtured through sacrifice, and destined for greatness” — may endure forever.
